Two Suspects Apprehended by Thai Authorities Following Fatal Bombing Incident

Bangkok, Dec 14 (NationPress) Authorities in Thailand have detained two individuals linked to a bomb blast during an annual festival in northern Tak province, which tragically resulted in three fatalities and left 48 others injured, as reported by police on Saturday.

National Police Spokesman Archayont Kraithong indicated that preliminary investigations have shown one of the suspects admitted to transporting the explosive device, with their motivations rooted in grievances against a local youth group.

In a statement on social media, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by the explosion that took place shortly before midnight on Friday.

Paetongtarn has instructed police and security forces to expedite their investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure they face justice. Additionally, she has directed authorities to bolster security protocols at all forthcoming festivals to safeguard public safety, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Earlier this year, a roadside bomb near a park in Thailand's southern province of Songkhla injured eight individuals, including two schoolchildren.

Among the injured were a district assistant chief, a defense volunteer, and several villagers.

The Thai Army's Region 4 Forward Command stated in February that they believed southern insurgents triggered the explosion when a modified pickup truck passed through the area, propelling the vehicle off the road.

This incident followed a confrontation between the Thai Army and suspected insurgents, during which five alleged insurgents were killed by security forces in Narathiwat Province.

In the aftermath of the clash, Col. Pramote Prom-in, spokesperson for the army's southern command, cautioned that insurgent groups could retaliate.

The ongoing separatist conflict in Thailand's predominantly ethnic Malay-Muslim regions of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat has claimed nearly 7,000 lives since 2004.

The Thai government is currently engaged in peace negotiations with several insurgent factions.